A father and son from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, are embarking on a rally across Europe in aid of charities close to both their hearts.
Steven, 40, and Charlie 16, are taking part in the Veterans Banger rally as part of the mechanical team later this year - beginning their journey here in Scotland and finishing in sunny Gibraltar.
The Nelson family were approached to support the rally after the success of their lockdown YouTube channel, Home Built, reaching over one million views - where the father and son duo talk about everything cars, including tinkering some of their own in the garage and showing viewers some tips and tricks, saving them a few pennies.
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The Veterans Banger Rally is set to become one of the biggest and fastest-growing rallies around and supports many service-based charities. It includes assembling a team of two to four people, at least one of which is a veteran or serving member (in this case, Charlie's mum Kleo, is ex Royal Military Police). The team buy a vehicle for £999 or less, customise it and combine adventure with charity as they travel around Europe "Top Gear style".
This year their chosen charity is Blind Veterans UK and are honoured to have Simon Weston CBE as their new patron - a veteran of the British Army who is known for his charity work and recovery from severe burn injuries suffered during the Falklands War.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, mum, Kleo Nelson, 41, said: "The event organisers approached Steven and Charlie and asked if they would be interested to join the veterans rally.
"Right away we thought absolutely, we would be more than happy to do that for them. I am ex Royal Military Police Territorial Army and come from a long line of military in my family so it was a no brainer."
The Nelson boys have also decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK, with it being a charity close to home they decided it was a perfect way to blend the two fundraisers together.
Kleo continued: "When talking about it we decided we'd like to raise money for Cancer Research as well, mainly because we have a big history of cancer in our family."
Kleo shared of how cancer has affected their family, touching the lives of many close to her including her dad, grandma, two aunts, cousin and explained she even had a scare herself.
The rally begins in September and runs into October, with volunteers completing 4,000 miles across Europe and experiencing a once in a lifetime journey.
Steven, 40, said: "I am extremely thrilled to be taking part and supporting the Veterans Banger rally as the mechanical team this year, if the event organisers hadn't approached us we wouldn't have known about it and so having this opportunity to raise vital funds for Blind Veterans UK and Cancer research UK is a privilege as both charities mean a lot to us."
The duo are incredibly excited and are raising funds in every way they can, Kleo said: "They're very excited, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. At his age, it is something that will stick with him forever."
Young Charlie said: " It's quite exciting, I'm looking forward to the traveling with my dad and the Veteran's Banger rally across Europe! Being a part of this is an awesome once in a life time opportunity, I'll learn new things and meet new people along the way and see other countries.
"Not many 16 year olds get a chance like this so yeah, I'm excited and ready to raise lots of cash for the charities!"
To donate to Blind Veterans UK visit here.
If you wish to donate to Cancer Research UK visit here.
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